I support the decision of…

I support the decision of the provincial government to roll back imposed changes to municipal official plans.

The planning staff at the City of Hamilton did not agree with the imposed changes, and with the opportunity now presented by the province, they have carefully reviewed all the changes. This review has been shared with Hamilton City Council. They are the professionals and the most knowledgeable about the planning needs of the City of Hamilton, and after extensive discussion and massive input from the public, the city councillors voted unanimously to endorse the review by their planning staff. I urge the province to do likewise.

I don't think provincial officials should override this careful review. I note that nearly 700 residents wrote or spoke to the councillors formally about these matters. Nearly all of them support a firm urban boundary as originally decided by Hamilton council in November 2021, and subsequently submitted to the province by planning staff in 2022.

If, however, provincial officials disagree with the decision of Hamilton City Council, it is incumbent upon the province to ensure a full opportunity for the City, its planning staff, and its residents to respond. At the heart of this entire affair is the question of whether democracy will prevail, or be overcome by vested financial interests.

You are likely aware that the question of freezing Hamilton's urban boundary was the subject of a city-organized survey of residents that drew over 18,000 responses. Over 90% of those respondents supported a boundary freeze, and that broke down to over 85% in EACH of the 15 wards in Hamilton. This result must be respected.